Weekend Double-Feature: Crimson Twice Victorious on the Charles

This week's double-feature comes to us from the Charles River in Boston, where the Harvard men's varsity eight held off Princeton in new head coach Charley Butt's first home race to win the Compton Cup by roughly half a length. Harvard took the look early, but Princeton held on very well, and going into the final 500 meters, the Tigers made a great charge for the line and closed the gap on the Crimson—especially impressive given the challenging conditions and being on the road.

Following the race above, the Radcliffe women's lightweight varsity eight (officially the Black and White) dealt Stanford their first loss of the season, despite the Cardinal taking an early lead. While the result may shake up the rankings, Stanford had a similar experience in Boston last year, but bounced back at the IRA regatta to win for the fourth straight time. As expected, these two crews look to be the cream of the crop again this year, with Wisconsin and BU battling it out in a close race down the course, back of the race leaders.

Lots of collegiate racing going on this weekend as we begin to draw near to championship racing season. Look for reaction, opinion, and analysis from the weekend next week right here on RR, and keep an eye on our Twitter feed for more updates along the way.

[Update]:

The Radcliffe lightweight women's rowing squad wore pink socks for the racing today in support of Linda Muri, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Muri is battling bravely—still on to race the Boston Marathon, and you can follow and support her as well via her blog:

Next up, the Boston Marathon, bib # 28447, wave 4. As long as I feel ok for the rest of the weekend - and a few key results on the water could only add to to that, ahem, HVL and HFL - I'll be going for the run on Monday. Cautiously, of course. The need to finish is overridden by my desire for survival at all costs. And, honestly, the training, this winter especially, was my way of honoring the commitment I made on April 15, 2013, to run this year, April 21, 2014, along with demonstrating the resiliency and strength of Boston, Watertown, and all those involved in the mayhem that came to be that week last year. Yes, I'd love to run, hardly anything would make me more delighted at this point in time than conquering a most terrifying obstacle that I have actually placed in my path, not something that just appeared, but I also know that I have to be smart. Carry on!

All the best to Muri—we, and the rest of the rowing community, are pulling for you and are, as ever, impressed and humbled by your strength.